Mother Board

The Mother Board is the center of the PC-compatible microcomputer system. It contains the circuitry that determines the computing power and speed of the entire system. In particular, it contains the microprocessor and control devices that form the brains of the system. The major components of interest on a PC system board are the microprocessor, the system's primary read only (ROM), random access (RAM), and cache memory sections, expansion slot connectors, and microprocessor support ICs that coordinate the operation of the system. A typical system board layout is depicted in the photo.

Major Components

As mentioned earlier, the Mother Board receives power from the power supply unit through special power connectors.These connectors are often located along the right-rear corner of the Mother Board so that they are near the power supply unit. They are also keyed so that the power cord cannot be plugged in backward .AT power connectors are typically labeled as P1 and P2 and are always located directly beside each other. However, they are identical and can be reversed. Therefore, AT system board power connectors should always be installed so that the black wires from each connector are together. The system's keyboard connector is normally located along the back edge of the board as well. In most AT-compatible systems, the keyboard connector is a round, five-pin DIN connector. ATX systems place a standard block of input/output connections along the back edge of the Mother Board. This block contains connectors for the ATX keyboard and mouse.

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